Following the Battle of
Telos IV, the Jedi Order
has been restored from
the ashes.

On a desperate mission,
Senator Mothin and a
Jedi protector head to
Tatooine.

If successful, the Republic
can start a new restoration
project to promote peace and
justice in the galaxy…

Chapter I
PAN DOWN TO SPACE, WHERE A REPUBLIC CRUISER TRAVELS TOWARD TATOOINE

[Republic Cruiser]
Aydrea Kast, a Jedi Knight, is deep in thought while looking out the cockpit of the cruiser from her seat. Aydrea wears the traditional tunic and robe of the Order with the hood over her head. She glances briefly beside her where Senator Mothin from Naboo is seated. Senator Mothin is wearing an elegant blue and purple dress.

“Senator, we’re receiving a message from an unidentified vessel.” The captain says, breaking the silence.
“Put it through.” Senator Mothin responds.
“Senator Mothin, abandon this foolish mission and your life will be spared.” An unknown Chiss threatens.
“I’m afraid that I cannot abandon this mission.”
“Then, you must suffer the consequences.”

The Chiss’s ship opens fire on the Republic Cruiser. The captain desperately tries to outmaneuver the unknown attacker. The attacker's ship is able to maneuver enough to keep with the cruiser while pressing the attacking. After several minutes bringing intensive damage to the Cruiser, a blast finally hits one of the three back engines. Inside the Republic Cruiser, an emergency alarm blares loudly.

“Captain…what’s happening?” Senator Mothin asks, hesitantly.
“I’m afraid that a rear engine has been destroyed. Your best option to make it to Tatooine is the escape pods.” The Captain responds.
“Jedi, what do you recommend?” The Senator asks.
“I have to concur with the captain. If this chase continues, my feelings tell me that the Chiss will destroy us.” Aydrea replies, reaching out with the Force.
“Here, take these plans of the ship. We’ll have to stay behind to draw their fire. May the Force protect you.” The captain says, handing Aydrea a datachip.
“May the Force be with you.” Aydrea says, bowing. “Come, Senator Mothin. We must get to the escape pods quickly.”

The duo proceeds to the escape pods while the Republic Cruiser shakes from the attack. After a few minutes of running, they arrive to the pods.

“Well, let’s hope this plan works.” Senator Mothin says, as they get inside.
“Indeed.” Aydrea replies, pressing the button to eject the pod.

Ejected from the cruiser, the escape pod heads toward Tatooine. The duo watch from the pod as the attack continues against the Cruiser. After a few minutes, the Republic Cruiser is finally destroyed by the Chiss’s ship.

“We’re on our own now, Senator.” Aydrea says, barely suppressing her tears of gratitude. “But, we must ensure their sacrifice was not in vain.”

Within a few minutes, the escape pod lands on the planet’s surface. Meanwhile on the Chiss’s ship, a droid approaches the Chiss.

“Master, an escape pod managed to break free during our attack and landed on Tatooine.” The droid said, in its monotone voice.

Author's Note: For reference, this is the specific Republic cruiser type to which I referred.

Chapter II
PAN OVER DANJIR IV FOREST NEAR AN ENCLAVE
[Danjir IV, One Year Prior]

The wind blew Aydrea’s brown hair, whilst she and her Master walked along the grass outside the enclave.
“Padawan, I have done my best to pass my teachings on to you.” Master Adri Vale started.

Master Vale looked like other typical Echani with her silver hair and blue eyes. Master Vale paused while she stared into her Padawan’s brown eyes.

“Soon, we must set aside the role of Master and student. In its’ stead, we must become equals.” Master Vale continued. “Padawan, I am so proud of how you have progressed.”
“I am honored to have been taught by you, Master.” Aydrea said, bowing and starting to blush.
“Remember this, Padawan: you are never alone; the Force will be your guide, as it has been thus far.” Master Vale instructed.

The sun shone brightly, as the pair walked together back to the Enclave.

FADE IN TO TATOOINE DESERT, AS THE TWIN SUNS RISE
[Tatooine Desert, Present]

Scraps of metal with flames can be seen in the distance. Two figures are sleeping on the floor of a crudely made hut, formed from remains of the escape pod. The first figure, dressed in a light brown tunic and pants, sits up suddenly. She walks outside the hut and meditates. Aydrea felt like her dream had been so vivid, as if her former Master was right there with her.

“Never alone.” Aydrea whispered to herself, as tears started down her cheeks.

Footsteps can be heard, approaching from the hut.

“Master Jedi? Are you alright?” Senator Mothin asked, curiously.
“It’s nothing. It’s just a memory from the past.” Aydrea said, wiping her tears and starting to gain control of her emotions again.

The Senator just stared blankly, having no clue as proper protocol about such subjects.

After the duo are properly attired and equipped with their respective weapons, they make the long walk across the desert toward the nearest settlement.

“Mos Eisley; there was never such a place as there that could be so filled with villainous scum.” Aydrea commented, looking at her bearings.
“We should be safe once there, though.” She hastily added, as the Senator raised an eyebrow.

Within a few hours, the two finally make it across the desert uneventfully.

“The tough part of the journey is over, milady.” Aydrea said, with a sigh of relief. “The rest of our journey ought to go unnoticed, even by our friend in space.”
“That’s good news, if it’s true.” Senator Mothin replied.

After stopping in a nearby street corner, Aydrea pulls out her comlink.

“C7-D9, are you there?” Aydrea asks into the comlink.
“Greetings, Knight Aydrea. It is a pleasure to hear your voice after the news of your ship’s destruction.” a monotone voice replied. “How can I assist you today?”
“I will need a transport to leave Tatooine after the Senator’s meeting.”
“One moment…I’m sorry; it seems that outbound flights from the planet.”
“How is that poss…” Aydrea started to say.

“Knight Aydrea? Are you there?” C7-D9 anxiously said in his monotone voice. “Oh no! She must have been captured.”

C7-D9 walked, as fast as his feet would let him, to the Council Chambers.

“Excuse me, Master Jedis.” The droid said, upon entering the Council Chambers.
“Yes, C7? Can we help you?” Master Zeltaro, a male Mirialan Jedi Master, asked.
“I’m afraid that Knight Aydrea Kast has been captured during her assignment on Tatooine.” The droid replied.

The Council exchanged glances with each other. After a moment of silence, Master Velka broke the silence.

“Send a rescue team, we must.” Master Velka, a frogling species, stated. “Vital to the Republic, her assignment is. More important than the mission, her life is.”

Author's Note: For anyone wondering or confused by the term ere, it is a preposition with Old English roots meaning before.

Chapter III
PAN OVER CORUSCANT SPACEPORT WITH NUMEROUS SHIPS LANDING AND ALSO TAKING OFF
[Coruscant Spaceport]

The Republic officer looked at the three Jedi blankly, after they related the capture of a Jedi and Senator.

“Well, I suppose that’s what you get when you Jedi get involved in politics.” The Republic officer joked.
“Sir, yours is the only ship and crew that could aid our rescue attempt.” One of the three Jedi pleaded.

The Republic officer stopped in his tracks. He looked the three Jedi straight in the eyes. What if it fails? What will happen then? He pondered. Yeah, but their sincerity is clearly seen. Perhaps, it would be ideal to have Jedi owe a favor.

“Fine.” The officer finally responded, with a deep sigh. “But, when I have trouble in the future, you will help me too.”
“Very well; but, understand that we are keepers of the peace and not soldiers.” The Jedi replied.
“Then, let’s get the ship and crew prepped. We may yet save your friend quickly.”

The three Jedi and Republic officer scrambled as they got the other crew members and the ship prepared to take off. Little did they notice a solitary protocol droid slip in their ranks. The ship took off with no one the wiser as to its purpose.

[Republic Hammerhead-class cruiser]

The crew was still busy enough hours after they left Coruscant that they had not seen or paid any attention to the protocol droid.

“Master, all is going to the plan.” The droid said quietly, as it hid in an empty corridor.
“Good.” The mysterious recipient replied.
“Then, I have your approval to proceed with the next phase?” The droid inquired.
“Yes, commence with the next phase.”

[Meanwhile in Tatooine Dungeon]

Aydrea finally awoke for the first time since she was captured hours ago. She glanced to check her surroundings and to find the Senator. Quickly, Aydrea realized by the locked cages all around the room that she was in a dungeon. As she struggled against the manacles binding her to the wall, she found that her lightsaber was not on her belt. What would Master Adri think if she saw me now? Aydrea pondered, while still trying to form a plan of escape. Only then did she notice that there were two guards outside her cell. They came in, escorting two other people into the cell. To Aydrea's surprise, it was Senator Mothin and the Chiss from the holo.

"You." Andrea said.
"But, of course. After all, we promised the Hutt a Jedi if he would fund our restoration project." Senator Mothin explained.
"You won't get away with this." Aydrea said.
"Oh, but we will. Especially since my droid infiltrated your would-be rescuers' cruiser." the Chiss replied, almost amused.

The words rang true as he said them. As he continued speaking, his words drowned out as her thoughts turned toward the rescue team. Please, let them make it here safely.

[Republic Hammerhead-class cruiser]

Alarms were blaring as explosions occurred throughout the ship. Frantically, a crew member ran to the captain.

"Sir, we must abandon this mission." the frightened Zabrak crew member said.
"No, not while there is still hope. Initiate Code: Fried Gizka."

The crew scrambled to execute the order, repairing what they could and searching for any clues to the cause. After several minutes, one of the Jedi found what he assumed was an unusual outbound holocall from one of the terminals in a hallway full of deactivated astromechs. Upon further inspection, he found that the holocall was made shortly after their departure. In haste, the Jedi ran back to the bridge to inform the captain of his findings.

"Sir, an unauthorized transmission occurred shortly after take-off." the Jedi noted. "What is more, the terminal used was in a hallway full of deactivated droids. I do not think it it is a coincidence, sir."
"How could I be so stupid? Scan for all droids." the captain ordered, hoping he was wrong.
"Only one is still active." the nearest crew member said, after a quick scan on a bridge terminal.
"Capture it with any methods necessary." the captain ordered.

Author's Note: Originally intended to add more to this chapter, but I found this was a better breaking point than the point where the extra content would've ended.